How to Apply for Financial Aid

The time to start thinking about applying for college financial aid is early in the year for the next fall semester. Starting early will make sure that you get the most possible for higher education

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Previous year's taxes
• Computer
• Time

1. Start by getting a pin from the Department of Education. This will allow you to electronically sign the form and speeds up the entire process. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to get started with obtaining a pin.

2. Once you have the pin and tax information, go back to the website and start filling out the FAFSA form. This form will get the information to the schools of your choice and makes students eligible for government grants (which is a good thing).

3. Around the same time of year, start applying for the schools scholarship programs. Even if you think that you may not get a scholarship, there might be money floating around with your name on it. Never assume until it is definite.

Tips & Warnings

• Start filling out the proper forms early to make sure that there are funds available.
• If you are expecting a life changing event in the early part of the year (birth of a child, marriage, etc...) wait until after the event passes, it may bring more grants your way.

Resources

• FAFSA
• Department of Education

[mattsaboy]

on 8/19/2009 Great article. 5 stars and a recommendation.

[TiffIsaac]

on 1/11/2009 wow, thanks for sharing! Many people will look at this article! =D 5* and a recommendation

[mayh3m]

on 1/7/2009 Very practical. Thanks for sharing!